Transportation

Neighburhoods

Hotel types

Best Amman (and vicinity) hotels

Of all the ancient cities in the Middle East, few are as accommodating to foreigner travelers as Jordan’s capital, Amman. Organized and friendly, Amman offers a full spectrum of attractions for its guests, from the Roman Theater to the massive City Mall shopping center. The Jordanian capital is also home to the nation’s top university, so there’s an air of academia and youthful activity in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. After enjoying the dining, shopping, and ancient Roman sites of the capital, you can plan a journey to the desert marvel of Petra, an ancient rock city that’s truly one of the world’s wonders.

Things to see

Jordan’s largest shopping center is City Mall, a massive indoor venue filled with many international retailers you will recognize. This is where many Jordanians come to escape the heat and to socialize, making it a great location for people-watching.

Of the many Roman-era sites in Amman, the Roman Theater is one of the best-preserved. The folklore and culture museums on site will help you to put Amman’s history into perspective.

If you’ve never seen an Islamic mosque in its native enivornment, plan a visit to the King Abdullah I Mosque. It’s a real beauty with its shining blue domes, and non-Muslims are allowed to enter for a small fee.

Shopping centers are always great spots to interact with locals or just watch the world pass by. Mecca Mall on Mecca Street is one of Amman’s middle-class shopping venues and is well worth a visit if high-brow retailers don’t appeal to you.

The Citadel is a must-see historic attraction for its variety of Roman ruins and Jordan’s main archaeological museum.

Hotels in Amman

As befits an international capital city, Amman has a solid range of accommodations to suit every budget and taste. There are plenty of cheap hotels catering to travelers on a budget who merely want a clean bed to crash on after a day exploring the city. Mid-range hotels in Amman are also in abudance, and are reasonably priced compared to similar hotels in other global capitals.

Amman’s luxury hotels can compete with those of any world city. Most of the big-name players are represented here, so if you have a particular five-star chain you prefer, the chances are good you can find a branch in Amman. Rates for these posh rooms don’t come cheap but the amenities, service, and atmosphere more than compensate for the price tag.

Where to stay

The 5th Circle is one of the key focal points in the center of Amman, so many of the luxury hotels have set up shop here. In terms of location, this part of town is hard to beat.

Amman’s budget lodging tends to be located around the Jett Bus Station on Jebel Amman or along the main commercial strips, such as King Hussain Street and King Faisal Street.

West Amman is the place to stay if you want to experience the capital’s heady nightlife scene, which is surprisingly liberal for an Islamic nation. There are a number of mid-range hotels in this trendy district.

How to get to Amman

Nearly every visitor to Amman arrives through Queen Alia International Airport, 20 miles south of downtown. Taxis and airport express buses are the two forms of transport into town if you don’t opt to rent a car. Land crossings from neighboring countries tend to be slow and difficult.

Amman’s public bus system is the preferred mode of transport for the capital’s working class. It’s safe, cheap, and can get you to many attractions like the Roman Theater. Taxis are more convenient and relatively cheap since their drivers must use a meter by law.

Most recent review

"Just needed a place to crash for a few hours after arriving really late into the airport in Jordan. It's a bit pricy, but the hotel staff are nice and accommodating, they'll pick you up at the gate, and the rooms are just what you want after a long flight. They had a nice interior that we..."

Most recent review

"Very nice hotel with outstanding service. We had no complaints about anything and while it's a bit far from "downtown", we were staying there due to an event taking place there, so it was convenient. The valet parking was outstanding and free, which for North American's is unhea..."

Most recent review

"The stay was overall comfortable and pleased, the room is big and well equipped, the bed is wide and comfortable, I did not like the breakfast, few options and very slow service though the staff was more than enough"

Most recent review

"Great hotel for our first couple of nights in Jordan. Although the building is a little older, maybe from the 1960's, it is well maintained and has a sense of style and sofistication. The room actually was larger than what you often find in newer buildings. The staff and service were excellen..."

Most recent review

"You can never go wrong with InterContinental and this is best hotel of theirs at which I have stayed. The service was outstanding all around and we were well taken care of. The location is the best hotel area in Amman as there are many restaurants and shops right outside and one of the main shopp..."

Most recent review

"Staff were friendly and helpful. Hotel was clean, basic and comfortable, but outdated and in need of upgrading. We were there only for 2 nights only so did not have time to try the spa as recommended by other reviewers. The gym was small, basic but had sufficient equipment. We did not have breakf..."